A holiday picture book from award-winning author/illustrator Lane Smith that features the woodland character, Stickler, who wanders the forest delivering Christmas presents. In a picture book that’s both silly and sweet, readers will be inspired by this story of holiday kindness.Happy-go-lucky Stickler, an original character covered in sticks, is celebrating Christmas by passing out presents for all his friends. He has carefully selected the right stick for each of them, including: a Hop-Higher Stick for Rabbit, an Idea Stick for Crow, an In-a-Pear-Tree Stick for Partridge. But Doug-the-Fir doesn’t want a present, he is too worried about being covered with decorations and lights and being the center of attention. So, Stickler promises to think of a solution and finds the perfect stick. But in order to help his shy friend, Stickler needs to be the one to shine.
A Stickler Christmas encourages empathy and kindness with a joyful, lighthearted touch. Lane Smith, the award-winning author and illustrator of recent picture books, including
A Gift for Nana (where Stickler first appears) and
Stickler Loves the World, brings imagination and laughter to a clever story featuring a delightful character.
On sale: October 8, 2024
Age: 4-8 years
Grade: Preschool - 3
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780593815281
Reading level: Fountas/Pinnell: M
Lane Smith is the author-illustrator of numerous award-winning and bestselling books for children. He is the recipient of the Kate Greenaway Medal, two Caldecott Honors, five
New York Times Best Illustrated Book selections, and lifetime achievements from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the Society of illustrators. He is the author of
Stickler Loves the World and
A Gift for Nana, and illustrator of
Penguin Problems,
Giraffe Problems, and
Cat Problems, all written by Jory John. Lane Smith lives in Connecticut with his wife, Molly Leach, an award-winning graphic designer.
★ "In a sea of more saccharine winter holiday selections, this wildly funny, whimsical story stands out in all the best ways.
To quote the strangest little fellow ever to star in its own Christmas picture book: 'Joy.'"
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "
A tender holiday tale about gift giving, friendship, low-stakes sacrifice, and celebration. ... Amid many holiday book options that retell the same stories, Stickler stands out as a fresh expression of Christmas spirit." —
School Library Journal, starred review
"The textured mixed-media illustrations are classic Smith, as is Leach’s spirited design, and both complement the wacky quality of his
humorous story, which ends sweetly with Stickler also receiving the perfect present (spoiler: it’s a stick)." —
The Horn Book
